PM, I&B Minister Express Grief Over Suraiya’s Death

Patna: February 1, 2004

The Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on Saturday, expressed his grief over the death of the star and singer of yester-years, Suraiya, who passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 75.

"Suraiya was not only a good actress but a vastly talented singer", said Vajpayee adding he had always been a great fan of hers.

The legendary singer died died in Mumbai after a brief illness. She was admitted to the Harkishandas Hospital in south Mumbai a couple of weeks ago after complaints of low blood pressure, loss of appetite, and overall increase in weakness, hospital officials said.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also expressed his condolence over the death of the legend and said that Suraiya was one of the most popular singing superstars of the forties and fifties and she will remain in the hearts of millions of people for generations to come.

Suraiya hit the tabloid headlines in the fifties after having a brief amorous relationship with the evergreen star Dev Anand with whom she acted in six films though she could not marry him due to pressure from the family. Among her most memorable songs include "Nukta chi hai game dil", "Yeh na thi hamari kismat", "Awaaz dein kahan hain", and "Dil-e-nadaan tujhe hua kya hai".

Suraiya was laid to rest at Chandanwadi burial ground in central Mumbai.